Kivalliq residents
lauded for courage

IQALUIT  Two courageous Nunavut residents were honoured
by Canadas Governor General in Ottawa last week.

Moses Aliyak of Rankin Inlet and the late Hattie Amitnak of Baker
Lake each received the Medal of Bravery from Governor General
Adrienne Clarkson at a Dec. 8 ceremony.

The two were chosen for the honour after trying to protect their
family from an attacking polar bear in the Kivalliq last year.

In the July 1999 incident, the two had been camping with their
family on Hudson Bay south of Rankin Inlet. Aliyak and his 12-year-old
grandson were trying to retrieve a boat when they were approached
by a two-metre-long bear.

Aliyak tried to distract the bear by throwing rocks and shouting
at it. As the boy escaped back to the familys tent, the
bear charged and mauled Aliyak, severely lacerating his head and
face.

The 60-year-old Amitnak and her 10-year-old grandson then rushed
out of the tent to Aliyaks defense. Aliyak was able to escape,
but the bear attacked and wounded the grandson and then mauled
Amitnak to death.

Aliyak and the injured boy were airlifted to the hospital and
recovered from their injuries.

At last weeks ceremony, Amitnaks sister, Nancy Hart,
was present to accept the award.

Due to poor weather in Rankin Inlet, Aliyak was unable to attend
the event. He will be able to receive his award at another ceremony
later in the winter.

Aliyak and Amitnak were among 46 Canadians awarded the Medal
of Bravery this year.